Category Archives: Owing Taxes

New IRS Collection Financial Standards

The Internal Revenue Service just released the 2009 update to the Allowable Living Expense Standards on March 1. The ALE standards are used to reduce subjectivity in determining what a taxpayer may claim as basic living expenses necessary to avoid undue hardship when the taxpayer must delay full payment of a delinquent tax. The standard […]

IRS Seeks New Issues for the Industry Issue Resolution Program

IR-2009-18, March 5, 2009 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is encouraging business taxpayers, associations and other interested parties to submit to the Industry Issue Resolution (IIR) Program tax issues for resolution involving a controversy, a dispute or an unnecessary burden on business taxpayers. Though submissions can be made at anytime for consideration in the […]

IRS Conducts Extensive Review, Decides Not to Renew Private Debt Collection Contracts

IRS Employees More Flexible, More Cost Effective IR-2009-19, March 5, 2009 WASHINGTON — After conducting an extensive review of the private debt collection program, including the cost effectiveness of the effort, the Internal Revenue Service will not renew its contracts with two private debt collection agencies, the agency announced today. The IRS determined that the […]

Online Payment Agreement (OPA) Application

Paying your taxes in full and on time avoids unnecessary penalties and interest. However, if you cannot pay your taxes in full, you may request a payment agreement. Individuals who owe $25,000 or less in combined tax, penalties, and interest can use the OPA application to request a payment agreement. This application will allow you […]

TIGTA releases audit of Automated Collection System Large Dollar Cases

[TaxMama note: This report should be of particular interest to you because when you owe IRS money, your first point of contact is generally the ACS.] TIGTA has publicly released its audit titled “Some Automated Case (ACS) Selection System Large-Dollar Cases Were Not Worked Effectively.” IMPACT ON TAXPAYERS An Automated Collection System (ACS) large-dollar case […]

IRS Adds Functions to Online Payment Agreement Application

IR-2008-77, June 6, 2008 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today introduced several new features to the interactive Online Payment Agreement application , which will make it easier for taxpayers and their authorized representatives to make changes to existing installment agreements. The system will now permit: LI>Individuals to revise their payment due dates and/or amounts […]

Payment Options Available for Those Who Can’t Pay in Full

Courtesy of IRS – IR-2008-56 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers who owe but can’t pay in full that several options are available to help them meet their tax obligations and save money by the April 15 filing deadline. Taxpayers should file their return on time, pay as much as they can with […]

IRS Automates Installment Agreement User Fees

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service IR-2008-033 WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service announced today that it has automated the user fee calculations for taxpayers entering into an installment agreement. Previously, taxpayers were required to submit a paper Form 13844 to request a reduced user fee. Now, eligibility for reduced fees is determined automatically by the […]

IRS National Standards Update for October 1, 2007

Redesigned Allowable Living Expense Standards Effective Oct. 1, 2007 Courtesy of IRS IRS released the 2007 Allowable Living Expense standards Oct. 1. The standards are used to help determine the ability of a self-employed or individual taxpayer to pay a delinquent tax liability. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96543,00.html There is a more detailed breakdown of Food, Clothing and Other […]

$100,000 Low Income Grants

IRS Accepting Applications for Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Matching Grants WASHINGTON — National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson announced today that the 2008 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) grant application process is now open. The LITC grant program is a federal program administered by the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS that […]

I Notice I Owe

Today TaxMama hears from Lynne in Mansfield, Texas, who says, “I received a notice that payment is owed. Will I be able to file my taxes and have them take the amount out that is owed? And still receive a refund?” ~~~~ Dear Lynne, Well, that must be depressing. I can’t answer you since I […]